Experience Tahiti and explore the area with your private vehicle and guide. Find out more about Paul Gauguin who arrived in Tahiti in 1891 and captured the charm, culture and languid grace of the natives in oils. You won't find his paintings here, but the original models still call this piece of French Polynesia home. Embark on this 7-night cruise to experience a core Polynesian experience. Call on Raiatea and its reef-bound lagoon and Taha'a, it's companion island, where you'll enjoy a full day of exploration. Then sail to Bora Bora, and her siren sister, Moorea. There's a reason these islands are world-renowned - their beauty is unmatched.

Available Cruise Departure Dates:
2012: May 5, Jun 2*, Jun 9*, Jun 16*, Jun 23*, Jul 21*, Jul 28*, Aug 4*, Aug 11*, Oct 6, Oct 13, Oct 20, Dec 15, Dec 22*, Dec 29*

2013: Jan 5, Feb 16, Feb 23, Mar 2, Mar 9, Apr 20, May 4, May 11, Jun 1, Jun 8, Jul 6, Jul 13, Jul 27, Aug 3, Aug 10, Sep 7, Sep 14, Oct 12, Oct 19, Oct 26, Dec 7, Dec 14, Dec 21, Dec 28. *"Ambassadors of the Environment" optional youth program available (9-17 years old), created by Jean-Michel Cousteau. Please ask your travel consultant for more information.

Papeete ("water from a basket") is the capital of French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean. The commune (municipality) of Papeete is located on the island of Tahiti. Traveling tourists arrive and depart Papeete via cruise ship at Papeete Harbor or domestic airline at Faa'a International Airport, which was completed and opened in 1962. The downtown features some fine churches and a market, though Tahiti is most known for its secluded ocean beaches.

Enjoy a private airport transfer.

Situated in the center of Tahiti's Papeete area, near Lafayette Beach, the Radisson Plaza Resort is a refreshing vacation getaway. The 165 rooms use Polynesian influences mingled with contemporary charms. All rooms feature balconies, and one may be privy to views of arching dolphins and whales in the water below. Fresh seafood and local produce make for remarkable culinary excursions. Guests are served by friendly staff, both indoors and outdoors, with twists of French and Asian spices in each dish. A variety of facilities are offered at the hotel, with an outdoor Jacuzzi and lagoon pool. Shop at the onsite stores and visit the crafts area full of displays.

Overnight at Radisson Plaza Resort .

Take a tour of the treasure chest that is Tahiti on a trip around the island in the comfort of a private vehicle with driver and English speaking guide. Tahiti’s glittering gems are a sight for sore eyes, Pointe Venus and the Trou du Souffleur, a wonderful waterfall with a beautiful backdrop. Wrap up your island visit with a trip to the Gauguin Museum followed by the stunning Vaipahi tropical gardens.

Overnight at Radisson Plaza Resort .

Cruise the tropical waters of the South Pacific Ocean aboard a luxury cruiseliner, making your way through the beautiful islands of French Polynesia. Renowned for their charming natives and unmatched beauty, daily excursions out to explore these islands are immensely rewarding.

Sleep in this morning and relax at your hotel.

Meet your driver for a port transfer with private vehicle and driver.

Begin your journey to a paradise in the capital of Tahiti, the largest and most populated of the French Polynesian islands. Here you'll embark M/S Paul Gauguin. This luxurious yet casual, ultra-deluxe vessel will be your home for the next week. With an endless choice of things to do, from relaxing poolside with a book to playing the slots in the casino, you will never be bored.

One of the most luxurious ships in the world, The M/S Paul Gauguin offers an amazing 1 to 1.5 crew to guest ratio, all oceanview accommodations (70% of those having balconies). With a capacity of only 332 guests this ship has one of the highest space to guest ratio’s around. It has two elegant restaurants and a pool side grill with open seating. Each room has its own mini-bar with soft drinks, beer and bottled water replenished daily. Complimentary fine wines and premium spirits, in room dining, 24 hours room service, in room movies and all onboard gratuities included, makes this truly a luxury experience.

Overnight at M/S Paul Gauguin (7N) .

Raiatea was once the cultural, religious, royal and political heart of Polynesia, and, according to legend, and lore, as well as Tahiti's most significant archeological sites. Ancient Polynesians built maraes, or temples, of stone in many sizes. The maraes provided a physical space for the spirit of the gods to occupy during ritual ceremonies, as did the carved wooden tikis for which the region is famous. The island is home to Taputapuatea, a national monument and the most important marae in the Society Islands. You will bid adieu to Raiatea just before dinner and set sail with the compass set for Motu Mahana

Overnight at M/S Paul Gauguin (7N) .

Motu Mahana, an islet adjacent to Taha'a, is your very own South Seas paradise featuring white sand beaches with swaying palms, crystal-clear waters and gentle breezes. Enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch and Polynesian entertainment featuring strolling musicians and singers.

Overnight at M/S Paul Gauguin (7N) .

Immediately recognizable by the basalt tombstone of Mount Otemanu rising from the ocean, the half-atoll, half-mountain of Bora Bora is surrounded by a spectacular lagoon and a series of smaller islands. Ancient Polynesians called it Parapora, or “firstborn,” because they thought it was the first island created after Raiatea.

Overnight at M/S Paul Gauguin (7N) .

Today is another day spent at Bora Bora. You will set sail before dinner, enjoying a relaxing evening on board.

Overnight at M/S Paul Gauguin (7N) .

Covered in an abundance of fresh fruits and flowers, spectacular mountain peaks, peaceful multi-hued lagoons and palm-fringed beaches – Moorea's awesome beauty is unsurpassed. An overnight here affords you two full days on Bora Bora's gorgeous sister island.

Overnight at M/S Paul Gauguin (7N) .

Today you'll have until the afternoon to explore more of the peaceful oasis that is Moorea.

At the end of the afternoon, you'll cruise back to Papeete, docking for the night.

Overnight at M/S Paul Gauguin (7N) .

Cap off your epic journey where it all began. You won't be the same as when you first set sail – these exotic isles are said to touch people in magical ways. This morning you'll disembark at the port of Papeete and bid farewell to your fellow cruisemates, as your cruise adventure has come to conclusion.

Enjoy a private airport transfer.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).